Administrator: Ukrainian church vandalized again
St. Josaphat’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in Bethlehem has been the target of theft and vandalism twice in the past six weeks.
Both thefts happened during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has killed thousands of civilians and threatened the country’s future, and have caused the congregation “grief, pain and worry,” Rev. Paul Makar said.
In March, two copper light fixtures were stolen from the building and a “Pray for Ukraine” banner was taken.
Friday afternoon, a trustee of the Church discovered even more extensive damage.
Copper downspouts were ripped off of both sides of the building. Parts of the building’s gutters were damaged and copper sheets were torn off of the Church dome in the rear of the building.
“With the war going on in Ukraine, this is a very, very hurtful incident for us,” Makar said. “It’s caused us a lot of grief, pain and worry.”
The church reported both incidents to the Bethlehem Police Department, which is investigating. Police think the thief is motivated not by hate or prejudice, but by profit, Makar said.
The price of copper reached an all time high in the first quarter of 2022, fueling the copper scraps black market. Thefts of copper wires and light fixtures have recently been reported in Los Angeles; Seattle; St. Paul, Minnesota, and elsewhere.
Bethlehem police could not be immediately reached for additional comment.
Any witnesses to the theft, or local metal shops that have seen materials resembling copper flashing, gutters or sheets that could have been stolen, can call Bethlehem police at 610-855-7187.
“With the war going on in Ukraine, this is a very, very hurtful incident for us . ... It’s caused us a lot of grief, pain and worry.”
Rev. Paul Makar